The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Mia Brown

About Mia Brown

Mia Brown, a senior at Horace Greeley High School, enjoys photography, writing and volunteering including at Greeley’s Relay for Life. She also plays varsity field hockey.

Hands That Shape: Discover Local Sculptor Heather Maione

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The talented sculptor and illustrator, Heather Maione, has recently become a resident of Chappaqua. Her journey from college student to professional artist displaying her work in prestigious public spaces across the country shows her deep and persistent passion for art.

Early Interests & Career Beginnings

From a young age, Maione had a strong interest in art. She always aspired to create her own work and have the ability to express her ideas in unique ways. During her college career, she spent a semester abroad in Siena, Italy, where she sculpted a bust of her professor. That bust turned out extremely well and established her love for sculpting. Despite this turning point, Heather didn’t pursue art for many decades.

After college, she began to work in the advertising industry and eventually started creating her own line of greeting cards called “Fitness Fun.” Her path shifted again when she became pregnant with her first child. She then began to illustrate children’s books and found success at several publishing companies. Despite her success, Maione longed to return to the sculpting medium.

Returning to Sculpture

Maione’s first piece that brought her back to sculpture was a bust of her mother. Not only did this rekindle her passion, but it led her to a great opportunity when a friend, the head of the Democratic Party in Long Island, asked her to sculpt Bill Clinton. While Maione never met the former president, his sculpture sits in the presidential library in Arkansas.

After this experience, Heather sculpted the Nobel Prize winner Dr. James Watson who discovered DNA. This piece was presented at his 90th birthday party on Long Island, another major milestone in her career.

Building a Portfolio & Expanding Horizons

Bill Clinton bust

Heather’s talent continued to open many doors for her. When she saw an article about Agnes Gund, president of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and a noted philanthropist, in the New York Times, Heather reached out to create a sculpture of her and was granted permission.

Heather’s impressionistic style draws her to create artwork that involves both human and animal forms. She aims to capture the essence and spirit of her subjects, rather than just their links to a photograph.

The Artistic Process

Heather’s sculpting process is very meticulous and takes an average of three months to complete. She tries to meet her subject in person so she can take numerous photographs and measurements. If that isn’t possible, she primarily relies on photos and videos, making the process more challenging. After gathering photos, she begins by creating a wire structure that is anchored to a wood block and then begins to add clay until the piece begins to take shape.

Once the clay model is approved by the client, Maione continues to the casting stage using the lost wax process. She prefers to use bronze instead of bonded bronze or plaster as this material can last forever.

Notable Works & Achievements

Heather’s favorite piece was the bust of Dr. James Watson, which she feels captures his essence very well. Her most recent project was a bust of philanthropist and prominent businessman from Long Island, Robert Bahnik. His sculpture will be displayed at the Boys and Girls Club in Oyster Bay.

Heather’s main goal in her artwork is to embody the spirit and personality of her subjects. Her dedication to capturing the true essence of her subjects drives her artistic journey and defines her work. As she settles into her new home in Chappaqua, Heather Maione’s contributions to the world of art will undoubtedly enrich her community.

How Relay For Life Proves that Cancer isn’t Stronger than the Strength of Our Community

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The Relay For Life event, first created by The American Cancer Society in 1985, has evolved into the world’s largest volunteer fundraiser. The American Cancer Society supports fundraisers and donates all money raised to cancer patients and their caregivers, thereby assisting patients facing the heavy financial burden of treatment. Every year, hundreds of people gather at the Horace Greeley High School field to support the Relay For Life Fundraising event run by students and teacher organizers.

This year, on May 18, Horace Greeley will again host the Relay for Life event and will welcome students and local residents to a lively atmosphere with food trucks, live music, all-night activities, and carnival themed booths created by the Chappaqua high school students. Who wouldn’t want to attend? Local food trucks such as Kona Ice and Three Little Pigs Barbeque will be on hand to provide delicious food that attendees can purchase. Part of their revenue is donated to the cause.

A Light that Brings Hope

The highlight of the Relay For Life event is the Luminaria ceremony where glowing paper bags circle the track and spell out “HOPE” on the bleachers. This seemingly simple act holds a symbolic meaning for the family and friends of individuals who lost their battle to this horrible disease. When participants walk around the track, they share a vision of a world where cancer no longer threatens their loved ones. Luminaria bags are available to purchase for $10 allowing you to make a donation and have a meaningful impact on the event.

During a recent interview with Sarah Payes, one of the event co-chairs, stated that “Each year I get chills when the field lights go out and the purple glow sticks start to brighten.”

The event’s main stars are the survivors, honored each year by walking a lap around the track with their loved ones while the crowd cheers in support. Additionally, the Relay For Life Sponsors go the extra mile to try to make cancer survivors have an extra special night. Food and other goodies are catered for the survivors.

Survivors Share Stories

Many of the survivors choose to speak to share their cancer journey and story. On this night, the saying cancer never sleeps rings true as events and activities are held until sunrise. Its many poignant moments symbolize resilience and unity.

Seniors Olivia Bialek and Sarah Payes, co-chairs for the Relay For Life Club, raised an impressive $53,000 last year and are aiming for $65,000 this year. “This year we decided to raise our goal over $10,000 dollars more because we know our community can do it! Every club member is more invested than ever before and we are sure that our community will step up as well.” said Bialek. Both Payes and Bialek stressed the importance of turnout to the event. “The higher the attendance the more likely our goal will be achieved,” said Payes.

Both Olivia and Sarah have been involved with the club since their freshman year of high school. Their participation is rooted in personally experiencing the loss of loved ones to cancer. “I knew I wanted to join the relay when my grandma passed away from lung cancer when I was 10.” Bialek explained. “My sisters had belonged in the club, and I was eager to make a difference, but I was too young to make my mark. When it was my turn to be a Greeley student, I jumped at the first opportunity I saw to help with a cause that was so dear to me.”

Sarah Payes (left) and Olivia Bialek, co-chairs

“A Chance to Step Up and Fight”

Similarly, Sarah lost her grandmother and uncle to cancer but that just enforced her eagerness and determination to volunteer for this cause. “As someone who has been affected by the loss of loved ones due to cancer, making the decision to join Relay For Life was easy. My grandmother passed away from cancer a few years ago and my great uncle passed away last December after a long battle with cancer. Relay has given me a chance to step up and fight for my loved ones, along with the millions of people who have been affected by this disease. I want to do all I can towards cancer prevention and to help support people who are currently battling, and their families.”

For those eager to contribute to the event, there are many ways to make an impact. If you can’t attend the event, donations and volunteering may be explored by contacting livbialek@gmail.com; anyone may run their own carnival-themed booth at the event.

In the months leading up to the event, the local high school chapter hopes to raise over $10,000 dollars and works tirelessly to ensure that the event is a success. To the club members, this event is the highlight of their year.

“To me, Relay For Life is more than a fundraiser, a one night event, or an extracurricular activity, it is a community. Club members quickly became close friends which is incredibly special to me,” said Payes. “I’ve met so many great people through Relay that I may not have gotten a chance to know otherwise.

“Our club is a naturally supportive group of people that show up because they care about the cause and want to do something meaningful. We all take turns inspiring each other with our ideas, hard work, and commitment.”

As the event unfolds on the Greeley campus, people of all ages demonstrate their reliance towards this terrible disease, affirming that we will prevail against cancer. The horrifying fact that 10 million people die from cancer each year provides urgency in finding a cure while honoring those tragically lost in the Chappaqua community.